Legal Question in Family Law in California

What rights would a disabled woman have if she is abandoned by her husband? She lives in California. She is about 40 years old and has two kids at home. Are there any programs that could help her? She is about to be evicted from her apartment, losing utilities, etc. I don't know how to help her other than give her money. That will only be a very short term solution. Can you point me in the right direction?


Asked on 5/02/10, 11:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

She needs to file for divorce and immediately apply for spousal and child support on an emergency ex-parte basis. The Contra Costa Superior Court's Family Law Facilitator can help her prepare the documents, although they cannot give legal advice. She can also hire an attorney to help her, of course. She can also open a child support case with the Department of Child Support Services and they will collect child support for her. She should also file for Social Security if she is unable to work due to the disability and is not already collecting it. She should also apply for any public assitance she qualifies for. Not only will that get her help, it will trigger the government going after her husband for reimbursement, plus anything he owes her on top of reimbursing the government.

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Answered on 5/07/10, 11:28 am


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